Bertha “Faye” Justus McGarrahan, 84, of Seymour, Tennessee, passed away on June 1, 2026. Born July 23, 1941, Faye’s life was marked by steady devotion—to her family, to her work, and to the quiet convictions of her Baptist faith. In all she did, she carried herself with sincerity and care, offering love in practical ways and a thoughtful presence that will be deeply missed.
For 43 years, Faye worked at Alpha Industries, a testament to her strong work ethic and the dependability she brought to each day. Those who knew her understood that her honesty and diligence were not simply habits, but a way of living—grounded, consistent, and true.
Faye was married to her loving husband for 40 years, building a home shaped by commitment and enduring affection. She also expressed her love through the things she made with her hands. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, and painting, and she found special meaning in making burial attire for The Angel Gown Program—an act of compassion offered with gentleness and respect. Her giving spirit extended into the community through her volunteer work with Sevier County Food Ministry.
Faye was preceded in death by: Charlie Justus, father; Grace McCarter Justus, mother; Ralph Justus, brother; David Justus, brother; Ernest Justus, brother; Ima Jean Justus, sister-in-law; Wilma Jean Justus, sister-in-law; Patt Justus, sister-in-law; Betty Jo Justus, sister-in-law; JC Arwood, brother-in-law; and Diane Kay Green, step-daughter.
She is survived by: Theodore McGarrahan, husband; Steve Loveday (Suzanne), son; Wendell Loveday (Connie), son; Michael McGarrahan (Leslie), step-son; David McGarrahan, step-son; Stevie Loveday (Lani), grandson; Ryan Loveday (Piper), grandson; Olan Loveday (Regan Alvey), grandson; Garet Loveday (Kealie Benton), grandson; Jesse Loveday, grandson; Jerica King, granddaughter; Madison McGarrahan, granddaughter; Sarah McGarrahan, granddaughter; Spencer McGarrahan, grandson; Laiken, great granddaughter; Magnolia, great granddaughter; Marlo, great grandson; Bill Justus, brother; Kenneth Justus (Jean), brother; Sam Justus (Kay), brother; Dorothy Arwood, sister; Annaree Shular (Joe), sister; Estine Justus, sister-in-law; Mary Justus, sister-in-law; and Kathy McGarrahan Caldwell, sister-in-law.
Visitation will be held June 5, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm with a Funeral service immediately following at 7:00 pm, in the Magnolia Chapel at Berry Highland South Funeral Home, 9010 E Simpson Rd, Knoxville, TN 37920.
Family and friends will gather at 10:45am on June 6, 2026 for an 11:00am Graveside service at Berry Highland South, 9010 E Simpson Rd, Knoxville, TN 37920. Services will be officiated by Rev. MIchael Justus.
Pallbearers will be Stevie Loveday, Ryan Loveday, Jesse Loveday, Olan Loveday, Garet Loveday, and Tony Arwood.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sevier County Food Ministry, 890 Old Knoxville Hwy, Sevierville, TN 37862 (https://seviercountyfoodministries.org/), or St Jude Children's Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105 (https://www.stjude.org/contact-us.html).
The family extends a special thank you to Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center 8th Floor Nurses and Techs, and to the Covenant Hospice Team for taking great care of our mother.
